India is gearing up for a major overhaul of its seed regulation framework. The Centre has released the draft Seeds Bill, 2025, proposing compulsory registration of all seed varieties and harsher penalties to crack down on the widespread issue of substandard and fake seeds affecting farmers nationwide. Once enacted, it will replace the Seeds Act, 1966, bringing in modern, demand-driven reforms.
Why a New Seeds Law Was Needed
The existing Seeds Act, 1966 regulates only notified seed varieties, leaving several categories—like plantation crops, green manure seeds and many commercial crops—outside the law’s ambit. Crucially, seed registration is not mandatory, allowing substandard varieties to enter the market easily.
Penalties under the old law are outdated, with fines capped at just ₹1,000 and imprisonment of up to six months, offering little deterrence against large-scale seed fraud.
Past attempts to modernise the law, including a Bill introduced in 2004, never materialised. With nearly 43,000 seed samples failing quality tests in the last three years, the demand for a stronger law had become urgent.
How Big Is India’s Spurious Seeds Problem?
Between 2022 and 2025, authorities tested nearly 6 lakh seed samples, and 43,001 were found “non-standard”. West Bengal alone accounted for 62% of these failed samples, followed by Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.
Actions taken by states over the last three years include:
- 12,287 warnings
- 12,915 stop-sale orders
- 1,914 FIRs/cases
- 164 forfeitures
With the Indian seed market valued at ₹40,000 crore and annual need pegged at 48.20 lakh tonnes, the presence of low-quality seeds deeply impacts crop yields and farmer livelihoods.
Key Provisions of the Seeds Bill, 2025
The new draft legislation proposes:
1. Mandatory Registration of All Seed Varieties
Only farmers’ varieties and seeds meant solely for export are exempt. All others must be registered before sale.
2. Heavy Penalties for Violations
Fines up to ₹30 lakh and imprisonment up to three years for selling spurious or unregistered seeds.
3. Decriminalisation of Minor Offences
While serious violations will attract strict action, minor ones will be treated more leniently.
4. Quality Assurance & Farmers’ Protection
The Bill aims to ensure farmers access reliable, high-quality seeds at fair prices and reduce losses from crop failure due to poor seeds.
5. Liberalised Seed Imports
To provide access to high-performing global varieties while safeguarding farmers’ rights.
What Happens Next?
The Agriculture Ministry has invited public feedback until December 11, after which the Bill will be reviewed by the Cabinet and introduced in Parliament. The government aims to present both the Seeds Bill and Pesticides Bill in the Budget Session 2026.
